Public health development in the Baltic countries (1992-2005): from problems to policy.
BACKGROUND
The focus of the article is on organizational reform measures in public health in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania from 1992 to 2005 and the associated changes in population health.


METHODS
The study draws on published reports and analyses official statistics over time and cross-nationally. Changes in population health are measured by indicators of population health status and indicators of primary prevention or avoidable mortality, which reflect performance of national health policy.


RESULTS
Our study shows some similarities and some important differences in terms of public health development in the Baltic countries since beginning of the 1990s.


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlights the importance of political stability and support in achieving public health improvements and the pervasive influence of socio-demographic factors on several key health indicators in Baltic countries. It points to the need to introduce evidence-based public health interventions, enhance social trust, address corruption and tackle poverty.
O'Connor
Julia S
JS
School of Policy Studies, University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Derry-Londonderry, Northern Ireland BT487JL, UK.
Bankauskaite
Vaida
V
D001454:Baltic States / Q000453:epidemiology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D011635:Public Health Administration; D015980:Public Health Practice; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014798:Vital Statistics